Chinese

Chinese and its dialects are spoken by more than one billion people world-wide. Most Chinese speaking people reside in China, but large populations exist in North America, South America, and Europe.

From a census report in 2007, more than 3% of all Canadians speak Chinese as their native language, making it one of the most common, non-official languages in the country. As this percentage rises, knowledge of the Chinese language, the culture, and the customs become increasingly important in numerous professions.

The course list identifies approved courses that MacEwan University may offer. Not all courses will be offered every year and some courses are restricted to particular programs. Contact an advisor in your program for information on course availability.

2017/18

This introductory course is for students with little or no background in Mandarin Chinese. It introduces the four tones and the sounds of Mandarin, an introductory series of sentence patterns and grammatical concepts, as well as a basic comparison between Mandarin and English. The four language skills of oral/aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing are emphasized. In addition, students learn approximately 175 characters, and become acquainted with some general aspects of Chinese culture in Chinese speaking countries.Note: Students with native or near-native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese or any of the regional dialects of Chinese cannot take this course. Heritage speakers must consult the department prior to registration. Students with a proficiency level beyond this course may be directed to a higher-level course. Students with credit in Chinese 30, 35 or equivalent cannot receive credit for this course.

This course is a continuation of CHIN 101. Students continue to acquire the four language skills of oral/aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese and broaden their cultural knowledge of the Chinese-speaking world. An additional 200 characters will be learned, and a more challenging set of introductory grammatical structure built upon the structures and forms acquired in CHIN 101 will be introduced. Note: Students with native or near-native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese or any of the regional dialects of Chinese cannot take this course. Heritage speakers must consult the department prior to registration. Students with a proficiency level beyond this course may be directed to a higher-level course. Students with credit in Chinese 30, 35 or equivalent cannot receive credit for this course.

This course is designed for students who have completed CHIN 102 or equivalent. Students further develop their oral/aural comprehension skills at the intermediate level of Mandarin Chinese. As well, they continue to develop reading and writing skills with approximately 200 characters. In addition, students continue to improve their understanding of various aspects of Chinese culture. Note: Students with native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese or any of the regional dialects of Chinese cannot take this course. Heritage speakers must consult the department prior to registration. Students with a proficiency level beyond this course may be directed to a higher-level course. Students with Chinese 30 should consult the department.

This course is a continuation of CHIN 201. Students gain further fluency in oral/aural comprehension at the intermediate level of Mandarin Chinese, as well as continue to develop reading and writing skills of approximately 350 characters. In addition, students continue to improve their understanding of various aspects of Chinese culture. Note: Students with native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese or any of the regional dialects of Chinese cannot take this course. Heritage speaker must consult the department prior to registration.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in CHIN 201.

Before you register in a Mandarin Chinese course, you must determine the appropriate placement level.

Placement in Mandarin Chinese Courses

It is important that you are registered in a level of Mandarin Chinese appropriate to your ability. If you register in the wrong course, you will be required to withdraw from it in the first week of the term, and you may not have another chance to register in the correct course. Taking the wrong course may also jeopardize your future transfer of credits.

In order to ensure you are placed in the correct level for Mandarin Chinese, please consult the following:

Your Background

Recommended Level

You have little or no previous background in Mandarin Chinese, or you have successfully completed Chinese 10 or equivalent.

CHIN 101 (Fall)

You have successfully completed Chinese 10 and 20 or equivalent.

CHIN 101 (Fall) or CHIN 102 (Winter). A placement test may be required. Please contact the Mandarin Chinese coordinator for further information.

You have successfully completed Chinese 30 or equivalent (Chinese 20S, 20N, etc.), and you have NOT studied in a Chinese bilingual program.

CHIN 201 (Fall); a placement test may be recommended. Please contact the Mandarin Chinese coordinator for further information.

You have successfully completed Chinese 30 AND you were in a Chinese bilingual program for most of your elementary and high school years.

A placement test may be required. Please contact the Mandarin Chinese coordinator for further information.

You have completed CHIN 101 or equivalent with a grade of at least a C-.

CHIN 102 (Winter)

You have completed CHIN 102 or equivalent with a grade of at least a C-.

CHIN 201 (Fall)

You have completed CHIN 201 or equivalent with a grade of at least a C-.

CHIN 202 (Winter)

You have been partly educated in another Chinese regional dialect during your stay in Asia and can read and write Chinese characters, but cannot speak fluent Mandarin Chinese.

A placement test may be required. Please contact the Mandarin Chinese coordinator for further information.

You were born and brought up in North America, and are proficient in one of the Chinese regional dialects, but are not able to read and write Chinese characters.

A placement test may be required. Please contact the Mandarin Chinese coordinator for further information.

If your background does not fit any of the descriptions above or if you are uncertain about correct placement, please contact the Discipline Coordinator.